The Financial Planning Standards Board published global research showing that financial planners are increasingly using artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency, support market analysis and serve more clients. Respondents also reported that clients are bringing AI-generated information into advice discussions, increasing the need for planners to assess, contextualize or correct that information. Among surveyed planners, 83% expect AI to help them serve clients better, up from 78% in 2025, while 75% expect it to improve advice quality, up from 60%. Seven in 10 expect AI to broaden access for underserved populations, and 68% believe it will lower advice costs. Regarding client behavior, 33% said clients who use AI for financial matters most commonly use it for general education, while 25% cited validating or comparing professional advice. Client AI use has increased the need to contextualize or correct AI-generated information for 21% of planners and prompted more collaborative discussions for 19%. The findings are based on an online survey of 8,095 financial planners across 37 territories conducted from May 22 to July 6, 2026.
Financial Planning Standards Board finds rising AI adoption among planners and growing use by clients
Financial Planning Standards Board research found that financial planners are increasingly adopting AI to improve efficiency, analysis and client capacity. Eighty-three percent expect AI to improve client service, while growing client use of AI is creating more demand for planners to contextualize or correct generated information.